Cheesy Breadstick Bones are a fun and tasty treat that combines golden, soft breadsticks with melted gooey cheese inside. They’re shaped like little bones, making them perfect for parties, Halloween snacks, or just anytime you want something playful and delicious. The outside is slightly crispy, giving just the right crunch before you get to the cheesy center.
I love making these because they’re so simple yet feel special. It’s always a hit, no matter who I’m sharing them with. One little tip I’ve learned is to brush them with a bit of garlic butter right after baking—that extra flavor really takes them over the top and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.
These breadstick bones are my go-to snack when I want something warm and comforting but still fun to eat. I like pairing them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—it adds a nice tangy twist that balances the cheese perfectly. They’re an easy crowd-pleaser that I end up making again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: Using refrigerated pizza dough keeps things quick and easy. If you want, you can substitute with homemade dough or even biscuit dough for a different texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella gives that perfect gooey melt. You can swap with provolone or a mild cheddar if you prefer a sharper taste.
Butter and Seasonings: Melted butter brushed on top adds richness. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning provide classic flavors, but feel free to add chili flakes for a little heat or swap in fresh herbs for brightness.
Marinara Sauce: A tangy marinara is a great dip to balance the cheesy breadsticks. You can use store-bought or homemade, or substitute with ranch dressing for a creamier dip.
How Do You Shape the Breadstick Bones to Look Just Right?
The shaping step makes these breadsticks fun and unique! Here’s a simple way to get that “bone” look:
- After folding the dough over the cheese and sealing the edges, pinch the ends tightly to fully close them, so the cheese doesn’t spill out during baking.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or your finger to gently press in the dough about an inch from each end. This creates the “knobs” that look like the ends of bones.
- Be gentle so you don’t tear the dough, but firm enough to keep the shape during baking.
- Placing the shaped breadsticks with some space between them on the baking sheet helps them cook evenly and keep their shape well.
This shaping trick makes the breadsticks playful and fun to eat, perfect for parties or themed snacks. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect the first time—practice makes perfect and they’ll still taste amazing!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – I like a lined or greased sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Rolling pin – helps to roll out the dough evenly so the breadsticks cook uniformly.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – makes clean cuts to shape the dough strips easily.
- Small bowl – for mixing melted butter and seasonings, so you can brush the tops evenly.
- Pastry brush – for brushing butter and herbs onto the shaped breadsticks, giving a nice flavor and shine.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different cheeses like provolone or sharp cheddar inside for more flavor.
- Add cooked, crumbled bacon or chopped spinach into the cheese for extra taste and texture.
- Mix Italian herbs or red pepper flakes into the butter before brushing for a spicy or herbaceous kick.
- Wrap the breadsticks in cooked ham or turkey slices before sealing for a meaty twist.
Cheesy Breadstick Bones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (16 oz) tube refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake. Including a little time to cool, you’ll have delicious cheesy breadstick bones ready to enjoy in around 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep the breadsticks from sticking. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a rectangle about half an inch thick.
2. Shape and Fill the Breadstick Bones:
Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 4-5 inches long. These will become your “bones.” Place a line of shredded mozzarella cheese down the center of each strip, leaving half an inch at each end. Fold the dough over the cheese and press the edges tightly to seal, creating a stuffed breadstick. To shape the bones, pinch the dough about 1 inch from each end with the handle of a wooden spoon or your finger, making two rounded knobs on each side. Pinch the ends closed to keep the cheese inside.
3. Season and Bake:
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl. Brush this flavorful mixture on top of each breadstick bone. Place them on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Let them cool a bit before serving warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Homemade Dough Instead of Refrigerated Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works great and can add extra flavor. Just make sure it’s rolled out to about ½ inch thick for the best texture.
How Can I Store Leftover Breadstick Bones?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy and melty.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Shape and fill the breadstick bones, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Transfer to a bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Are Some Good Dipping Sauce Alternatives?
Besides marinara, try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a spicy mayo for different flavor twists that complement the cheesy breadsticks well.
